We've all seen the kits that companies like Big Agnes and Thermarest have come out with to couple with their pads to form surprisingly comfortable alternatives to sitting on the ground at camp. They have even come out with SL versions of these designs coming in at 6.5 oz and 10.5 oz respectively.

But what are these chairs really, but some fabric and webbing? This may have been discussed before, and to be honest, I haven't looked at every previous thread to find out. If there is a link, by all means, please send me there.

Would it be that difficult to fab one of these guys up for even less weight so that carrying a chair into the backcountry could be a weightless (relatively speaking) endeavor?

>>Would it be that difficult to fab one of these guys up for even less weight...<<

At a substantial weight savings? Maybe.

I managed to come up with a 2oz version using grosgrain webbing and dual trekking pole back supports (velcro loops sewn to the grosgain), but never quite got it the level of being "marketable." Basically, you can sit in it, but you can't lean back much without the pad (and user) contorting out of place. I suspect this is the standard caveat the lighter you go here, too. A chair kit needs a certain amount of beefiness, and probably fabric sleeves, in order to take the full weight of a reclining occupant.

One UL solution that works well, though... trees. Fold the pad into a chair shape as usual, back portion against any convenient and sturdy trunk. :)

Edited by blister-free on 06/23/2008 20:54:24 MDT.

find a big stone!

With the Thermarester and Crazy Creek chairs, you're still sitting on the ground. Take a look the Sling-Light www.slinglight.com. I've been using one since 1986. I leave the head rest at home and just slide down and use a jacket, etc. to pad my head.

I love 'em and think they're worth the additional ounces.

I think that with 2 oz/yd fabric, carbon fiber rods, and lightweight 1/2 inch webbing, you could probably get the weight down to around 4 ounces.

But then you are investing some considerable time and expense into saving 2 ounces on a chair that requires a 20 ounce pad!

I will go with the big stone, the big log, the tree or ...

However, my wife loves her Thermarest chair so the answer is it depends and YMMV

Denis:

I bet some DIYers can use the slinglight as an external pack frame and get multi use out of it.

Ben:

now you have got me thinking. slinglight sleeping? talk about multiuse! like hammock sleeping it could make sleeping pad redundant. You simply use an underquilt. I can already imagine some exotic setups!

the lightest chair you could make will use carbon fibre rods, cuben, and dyneema guylines.

FYI the thermarest chair will work wit a zrest or a ridgerest too just not as well.

Ben2,
Is Bill watching this post? I should take a harder look at this idea. Mayhaps I could replace the frame on my LuxuryLight with the New Improved Sling-LuxuryLight.

Edited by redleader on 06/25/2008 13:05:51 MDT.

great ideas being thrown around here! thanks for the input

I don't see why you couldn't incorporate something like TG two piece trekking poles as the support, and cuben fabric plus grossgrain webbing to hold the pad in place (ridgerest would work just fine). Couldn't weigh very much as long as you're already carrying the poles!

Hi Denis,

I read almost every thread that has anything to do with UL "BACKPACKING"
or a "MYOG" type project or ideas.

These all seem to be way over my weight limit.

Try a hammock.

You can sit in the middle of it almost like a chair.

I agree with Bill. -->Hammock- it is your chair and your shelter and a darn good chair with a back and can be used as a lounger, too.





Along the trail I use a Gossamer Gear NighLight torso pad to sit on. I have it strapped to the outside of my back for quick access.

-Mark

Mark - You look way too comfortable... ;)

Brian,

Yeah, it's tough work, but someone has to do it. :-)

-Mark

Mark, that looks lush. I am going to have to try a hammock one of these days.
Thanks for the idea.

Phil,
Do try it. I sleep SO much better in my hammock than on the ground.

I'm not sure of the geological condition that caused the ground to get harder over the last 30 years, but it sure has.

I'm working on getting our Scouts converted to hammock camping. Easy set up, more comfort and more LNT.

I was so bummed that Philmont does not allow hammocks.

Hammocks are multi purpose as a camp chair and/or lounger as well as bed....Besides comfort you stay a lot cleaner, get less bug bites....With practice you can master a quick set up in under 90 seconds... Heck there are several ways to hang them now without even tying a knot or using a lashing.... This makes using them for a comfortable lunch break or even a 20 minute rest in mid afternoon a practical way to go.

Besure to get a breathable exterior bottom insulation plan for best comfort and ease of movement in the hammock whether sleeping or sitting.

But Hey i'm biased.

Pan